5G to add $450 billion to India’s GDP: Scindia

Adoption of 5G technology in India is estimated to add about $450 billion to the country’s GDP by 2040. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said at the Global Standards Symposium, a telecom event, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

He emphasized that 5G is much more than faster internet speeds and reduced latency; it is about laying the foundation for smart cities, advanced infrastructure, and autonomous innovations. He highlighted the rapid rollout of 5G across India, saying that in just 22 months, the technology has reached all states and Union Territories, covering 98 per cent of districts and 80 per cent of the population.

Underscoring the transformative impact of 5G across key sectors, he said, “We are unlocking new realms of possibility in healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing.”

The Minister also stressed the importance of international collaboration in maximizing the potential of emerging technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). He pointed out that international standards are crucial to ensuring these technologies work seamlessly across borders.

“The import of dialogue cannot be overstated. The wonders of 5G, the brilliance of artificial intelligence and the interconnected marvels of the Internet of Things are transforming industries, societies and manufacturing processes and economies on a global scale,” he said.

Scindia also emphasized the need for robust governance frameworks for emerging technologies like AI and IoT, urging ethical considerations and regulatory measures to address concerns around privacy, bias, and transparency.

He called for a comprehensive policy approach to ensure that future innovations, such as the upcoming 6G technology, benefit everyone equitably and do not deepen existing digital divides.

“We are today poised at the edge of a new technological era, the dawn of the 6th generation of mobile network 6G, and this is a gateway to the future where communication will become boundless, where innovation will know no limits,” he said.

Scindia urged the global community to collaborate in setting standards and nurturing partnerships to shape the future technological landscape, ensuring that technology serves as a force for good.